• Home
  • About
    • New? Start Here.
    • Meet The Co-Hosts
    • Meet The Contributors
    • In The Media
  • Advertise
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

The Mom Hour

Happier motherhood starts here.

  • New? Start Here.
  • Podcast
    • Recent Episodes
    • Complete Archives
    • Search By Topic
  • Blog
  • Ages & Stages
    • Babies
    • Toddlers
    • Preschoolers
    • Big Kids
    • Tweens & Teens
  • Shop
    • The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read
    • The Mother’s Gratitude Journal
    • Podcast Merch
  • Our Partners

in Blog on October 16, 2023 by Catie Parrish

Four Reasons I Read To My Kids

This post is part of a paid partnership with Rabbit books; all tips and ideas are the author’s. Jo Ham’s Rabbit books are available now wherever you buy your books

The other day, I was reviewing my library account, and I saw my Reading History accounted for 2,187 books since we moved to our village seven years ago. My family is swimming in books – favorites filling the cubbies in my big boys’ shared bedroom; bedtime storybooks in a basket in the preschooler’s room; read-aloud stacks on our nightstands; a big bookshelf in the living room; chapter books from school on the shoe bench where the backpacks live; and, in the basement, falling apart paperback picture books that are in their final days before leaving our house for good. Books tucked into purses and sports bags and minivan seat-back pockets. That’s just the kids’ books, and we keep acquiring more.

All this book collecting necessitates the occasional book culling. During my most recent thinning out, I realized there’s a formula to the kids’ books we keep and read. It’s not just what I like or only my kids’ favorites. It’s a combination of these things and more. Here are the reasons why I read books to my kids, as well as how I decide what stays and goes.

To Entertain

At the most basic level, I want my kids to love reading. I want them to experience how books can take you on a journey. I want them to know the unique pleasure of consuming a book you don’t want to put down. I want them to stay up late for the sake a good story and fall in love with characters who both remind them of themselves and who are like no one they’ve ever met. That means encouraging most reading to just be fun.

For my littlest readers, I love to keep board and picture books that are a joy to read aloud, with creative rhyming and clever word play. Books with onomatopoeia that makes us giggle. Books with few (or no) words, but completely captivating illustrations. It even means keeping books others would define as “twaddle” – sillier books, such as those with cartoon characters or potty humor. Is our collection of superhero bedtime stories full of advanced vocabulary and complex concepts? No. But does it put a smile on a preschooler’s face and let them enjoy the comic character universe in an age-appropriate way? Yes, and that has value, too.

To Celebrate

I adore marking the passage of time and special occasions with books. Like many moms, I keep seasonal books with my holiday decorations, and it’s exciting to bring them out and add to our collection each year. We also lean heavily on our local library here, checking out books we haven’t read before. I notice these shelves empty quickly, so I try to only check out one or two at a time, and return them weekly, instead of monopolizing them for the entire three weeks we could technically keep them.

We also use books to honor birthdays in our family. When I was expecting our first baby, we received many beloved children’s books as gifts with inscriptions from the gift givers. These books are still precious to me and an automatic save. My husband and I have kept that tradition going by giving each of our children a special book on their birthdays every year. We try to choose a book that celebrates one of their interests or we hope will impart a value for the year ahead and we each write a birthday message inside.

To Remember

A few weeks ago, I was at Barnes & Noble with my kids so they could redeem a stack of gift cards we collected. While browsing the children’s section, I stumbled upon a Madeline display, and I instantly remembered how much I love Madeline. These books sparked my lifelong love of French culture, as well as my childhood longing to have my appendix removed. We have 42 jillion books at home. Why don’t we have any Madeline books?! I wondered, a bit in shock. I instantly tossed it in our shopping basket. Since then, I’ve been prioritizing collecting even more of the books I loved as a girl. My boys are 8, 6, and 3, and I probably only have a few more years of picture book reading ahead of me. As Brandi Carlile sings in her song The Mother, “All the wonders I have seen, I will see a second time, from inside of the ages through your eyes.” I don’t want to miss the chance to experience the wonder of my favorite books again through my children.

I also read certain books to remember my own children at a particular age or stage. With my three-year-old on my lap and the right book in my hands, I can relive how it felt to snuggle my now 3rd grader who would crush my lap today. Sometimes after Charlie picks a bedtime book, I’ll choose one of my own. Not his favorite or even mine, but one of his brothers’ favorites. Rereading something I have memorized from countless readings is a priceless feeling, and I never wonder why my sister-in-law (who has teen and college-age kids) or my kids’ grandparents will happily volunteer to read book after book to my kids. Books transport me, not just to places I’ve never been, but also to my favorite place I’ve ever been.

To Teach

As a mom, one of my primary responsibilities is to teach my children, and I’ve always considered books a valuable tool. We own kid-friendly history, science, religious, and nonfiction books in every format from board books to encyclopedias. I also prioritize books that illustrate and normalize different families, bodies, races, and cultures. The world is big, and I want to expand my children’s knowledge as much as possible. One of my favorite “The Mom Hour” episodes from the vault is Raising Lifelong Learners. In it, Meagan and Sarah talk about having a home collection of resource books for kids to thumb through on their own or have at the ready for school projects or random questions. I’ll admit, 9 times out of 10 my kids ask Alexa their random questions, like how many hippos are in the world, but as they’re getting older, I’m going to try to encourage them to look up the information in a book sometimes.

When kids are little, books are a great way to practice concepts like colors, shapes, and opposites. And at every age, when our kids are struggling with a change or behavior, I have turned to books to work through the issue together. Sometimes I wonder if reading my kid a book about bathtime is actually helping them not scream about water in their eyes, but it helps me feel like I’m doing something at times when I feel pretty helpless. And at a macro level, I hope I’m modeling that knowledge is always available to them in times of struggle.

I try to ditch the guilt when it comes to letting go of books that just aren’t serving our family anymore. If my kids are never interested in them, I actively dislike reading them, they have a message I disagree with, are falling apart, or are too similar to other books we have, I feel okay letting them go. Even if they were a gift or are on every “best books” list. I encourage you to think about why you read to your kids and what books are important to your family. After all, we don’t all have room to permanently store all the 2,187 books that make their way into our homes.

About Our Sponsor: Rabbit Books

Check out a new series of picture books by Jo Ham, celebrating the joys of everyday life and starring the iconic Rabbit character! The playful books feature black and white artwork – with pops of color! – that will look striking on your bookshelf. Thanks to the simple storytelling and personality-filled Rabbit character, kids will be begging to read these books again and again.

The artist Jo Ham is a graduate of the University of Oxford’s Ruskin School of Art, in England. She set up her eponymous studio HAM in 2011 and has since collaborated with many major brands to feature the Rabbit character.

Jo Ham’s Rabbit books are available now wherever you buy your books.

Photo by Sven Brandsma on Unsplash

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: babies, books, preschoolers, toddlers

deals from our partners

VIONIC

Vionic shoes are the most supportive shoes ever. Use code THEMOMHOUR at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Vionic Shoes. Wearable well-being for your feet.



CHATBOOKS: Download the app and use code THEMOMHOUR20 to save 20% on your purchase!

CITY BEAUTY: Get 15% off sitewide at citybeauty.com with code THEMOMHOUR

DR. MOM BUTT BALM: Find it online at Amazon or Walmart!

ERIKA: Save 20% on the Erika family plan with promo code THEMOMHOUR. Go to www.erika.app and search for plans.

FACTOR: Head to factormeals.com/momhour50 use code momhour50 to get 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next box.

FAT BRAIN TOYS: Save 10% with promo code THEMOMHOUR at fatbraintoys.com

HIYA: For 50% OFF your first order go to hiyahealth.com/MOMHOUR

LMNT: Get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/momhour. Also try the new LMNT Sparkling — a bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water.

MINTED: Visit themomhour.com/minted for our favorites + great deals just for you.

MIRACLESUIT: Save 25% now with code MOMHOUR at Miraclesuit.com

MOOTSH: Go to Mootsh.com and use code THEMOMHOUR to get your first month for only $5!

NAME BUBBLES: Go to namebubbles.com and use code MOMHOUR for 25% off! 

OLIVE & JUNE: Visit oliveandjune.com/momhour for 20% off your first System.

OUR PLACE: Go to fromourplace.com and enter the code MOMHOUR at checkout to receive 10% off sitewide.

PREP DISH: Go to PrepDish.com/themomhour for a month’s worth of the new Prep Dish Protein Boost Meal Plans.

RITUAL: Get 25% off your first month for a limited time at ritual.com/THEMOMHOUR.

THE ESSENTIAL CALENDAR: Save 10% with code THEMOMHOUR or go to theessentialcalendar.com/themomhour

TODOIST: Get 2 months of Todoist Pro FREE here.

WAYFAIR: Visit Wayfair.com or download the Wayfair app.

When you click through these links and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and we only partner with brands we’ve used and truly love!).

« Chores & Household Responsibilities: Episode 434
When Will This Get Easier?: Episode 435 »

Comments

  1. Lisa says

    November 2, 2023 at 9:46 am

    I love reading to celebrate as well. Lately we’ve been reading some Halloween books, next up will be Christmas ones.

    Thanks for sharing some new ideas as well.

    Lisa
    http://www.lovefromlisa.com

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Meet Meagan + Sarah

Listen + Subscribe

Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Subscribe on Spotify
Subscribe in Google Podcasts
Subscribe on YouTube
Subscribe on Amazon Music

Listener Reviews

Featured Sponsor

Save 10% with code THEMOMHOUR at TheEssentialCalendar.com!

pre-order our book!

click on the image above to pre-order The Mother's Gratitude Journal: An Easy Guide to Capturing Everyday Joys and Milestone Moments

Search

The “Surfboard Kid”

the story behind the "surfboard kid"

Click photo to read the full story behind Meagan's viral "bad parenting" moment...

Recent Blog Posts

The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read – Available For Pre-Order NOW!

April 6, 2025 By Meagan Francis

Playlist: Less Stressful, More Magical Holidays

December 2, 2024 By The Mom Hour

Playlist: Parenting Tips For Halloween

October 17, 2024 By The Mom Hour

Playlist: Plan Your Summer Without Losing Your Mind

April 1, 2024 By The Mom Hour

Spring And Easter Picture Books For Kids

March 4, 2024 By Katie Addiss

more from the blog...

Voicemail!

On Instagram

The Mom Hour

themomhour

Top 10 parenting podcast hosted by @meaganfrancis (MI) & @powersofmine (SoCal). 8 kids between us, little to grown. Happier motherhood starts here.

New episode! Honi asks how our friends are showin New episode!

Honi asks how our friends are showing up for us these days. Laura wonders if we ever get recognized in public (and if it's our faces or our voices that give us away!). Aspiring writer Samm is looking for advice on getting started with writing, Lisa wants to know what we’ll miss most about The Mom Hour, and Erica prompts some reflection on what we’re most proud of as moms. And Ann? She’s eager for the scoop on what’s next—listen to find out!

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
New episode! Jennifer wants to hear all our old p New episode!

Jennifer wants to hear all our old podcast intros one more time (what a fun trip down memory lane!). Contributor Sarah wonders how Meagan and Sarah’s perspectives on parenting have evolved since episode one. Tricia wonders how to get a kindergartener to open up about hard stuff, while listeners Mel and Lisa each ask how to figure out what’s next in motherhood—and life. Kim wants to know how much she really needs to play with her child—and how to balance being present while modeling healthy phone habits. Plus, we share a quick update on what's next for our amazing contributor team members.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Happy Friday! Modern society loves the concept of Happy Friday!

Modern society loves the concept of 'saving time' - but at what cost? There's nothing wrong with streamlining and efficiency, but today Meagan and Sarah push back against the notion that time-saving strategies - and products - unilaterally bring more calm to our days. Instead we look at ways to think about shifting time to our advantage, batching tasks and opting out to free up schedule space, simplifying rather than optimizing, and finding our own peace with our relationship to time.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
New episode! Some days we’re the “Sure, why n New episode!

Some days we’re the “Sure, why not?” mom, and other days we’re the “Because I said so” mom - and often we lean more into one side than the other. Meagan and Sarah unpack what the Yes Mom / No Mom binary really means, the why behind our wiring, how it affects our kids, and how it’s not always so black and white. We look at the balance between freedom and structure, and remind you there are many ways to be yourself and be a great mom at the same time.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Very special episode in your feed today! Meagan w Very special episode in your feed today!

Meagan wrote a book—and Sarah has lots of questions. In this episode, we dive into Meagan’s journey from concept to publication. From the initial spark of an idea to the challenges of writing, editing, and getting it out into the world, join us for an inside look at the process behind bringing her book to life. Whether you're a writer, a non-writer who likes to learn how the sausage gets made, or simply want to offer Meagan your support during launch week, we hope you'll listen!

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Last chance to ASK A LISTENER QUESTION! (Please re Last chance to ASK A LISTENER QUESTION! (Please read the whole post before commenting! 🥰)

We're planning two more LQ episodes before we wrap production, and we'd love to take your questions about ANYTHING. The usual parenting challenges are welcome for sure, but we're also open to answering questions about the podcast, the decade we've spent doing this work, our business partnership+friendship, our future plans, our midlife lady joys and challenges, ALL OF IT.

You can EMAIL questions to hello@themomhour.com with Listener Question in the subject line. (Please don't use the comments on this post to ask your question; we might miss it and it adds organizational clutter to our lives.)

Deadline is Sunday 5/11 at 11:59pm. It's a true 'last call', folks! Can't wait to read your questions! -Meagan & Sarah
New episode! What does it mean to "launch" a kid New episode!

What does it mean to "launch" a kid into adulthood? How does parenting change when you're still mom, but they're no longer children? With Meagan’s new book just a week from launch, we’re diving into five things she’s learned about parenting young adults. Sarah asks the questions, Meagan shares the wisdom—and we both reflect on how the parenting journey keeps evolving.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Happy Monday! 👋 It's time for our April sponso Happy Monday! 👋  It's time for our April sponsors roundup, where we remind you of our brand partners and special deals. ALL of our special promo codes and links can be found on the Deals & Offers page on our website. Tap on this image at the link in our bio to check it out.

Thank you for helping support the show by using our links + codes!

Check out our new sponsor . . .
🐻  @paddingtonmovie (available now on digital!)

And welcome back . . . 
🎵 @carnegiehall (fun music games & quizzes!)
🍋 @hiyahealth (50% off your 1st order!)
🪑 @wayfair (shop outdoor furniture online!)
👟 @vionicshoes (15% off your entire order!)
🎨 @minted (art, cards, decor & more!)
📚 @chatbooks (the easiest photo books ever!)
☑️ @todoistofficial (2 mo. free of Todoist Pro!)
📅 @theessentialcalendar (10% off calendars!)
New episode! Raising creative kids isn’t just a New episode!

Raising creative kids isn’t just about paintbrushes and piano lessons—it’s also about noticing how they think, solve problems, and dream up deas. Both Meagan and Sarah come from creative backgrounds and hope to raise creative kids, but we’ve learned that creativity shows up in unexpected places—from storytelling and party planning to building weird contraptions out of couch cushions. We share what’s worked in our own families, where we’ve had to shift our thinking, and some of the misconceptions we’ve had about what being “creative” really means.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
New episode! We've heard from so many listeners w New episode!

We've heard from so many listeners who say that The Mom Hour helped you through your early years of parenting. Your notes of gratitude got us thinking (and feeling all the feels) about what a uniquely intense and tender season “active mothering” really is—and why it inspires a certain nostalgia when viewed later from a distance. Join us as we share some of your own words as well as memories of our own, reflecting on the pop-cultural, sensory, emotional, and unexpectedly specific things that instantly transport us back.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
To kick off a special series on the topic of Time, To kick off a special series on the topic of Time, we're talking today about busy-ness—that always-running hamster wheel we either can’t get off… or can’t seem to climb onto. Meagan and Sarah each look back on times in our lives when our relationship with productivity felt off—whether we were drowning in to-dos or floating in a weird limbo of not-enough-to-dos. Where are we at now on the busy scale? How do our personalities lend themselves to being busy - or not? And is there even such a thing as the perfect balance?

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
New episode! From sandbox maintenance and the end New episode!

From sandbox maintenance and the endless cycle of outgrown kids’ clothes to the rise of sourdough starters and evolving gardening ambitions, today's episode is about how our home management tasks have shifted as our kids have grown. We each share a few “then vs. now” snapshots, offering little insights into what domestic work looks like during different seasons of family life.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Load More... Follow on Instagram

as seen on

Send us an email

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Email hello@themomhour.com and we’re here to help!

order our book!

The Mother’s Gratitude Journal:
An Easy Guide to Capturing Everyday Joys
and Milestone Moments

looking for something?

New episode! Honi asks how our friends are showin New episode!

Honi asks how our friends are showing up for us these days. Laura wonders if we ever get recognized in public (and if it's our faces or our voices that give us away!). Aspiring writer Samm is looking for advice on getting started with writing, Lisa wants to know what we’ll miss most about The Mom Hour, and Erica prompts some reflection on what we’re most proud of as moms. And Ann? She’s eager for the scoop on what’s next—listen to find out!

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
New episode! Jennifer wants to hear all our old p New episode!

Jennifer wants to hear all our old podcast intros one more time (what a fun trip down memory lane!). Contributor Sarah wonders how Meagan and Sarah’s perspectives on parenting have evolved since episode one. Tricia wonders how to get a kindergartener to open up about hard stuff, while listeners Mel and Lisa each ask how to figure out what’s next in motherhood—and life. Kim wants to know how much she really needs to play with her child—and how to balance being present while modeling healthy phone habits. Plus, we share a quick update on what's next for our amazing contributor team members.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Happy Friday! Modern society loves the concept of Happy Friday!

Modern society loves the concept of 'saving time' - but at what cost? There's nothing wrong with streamlining and efficiency, but today Meagan and Sarah push back against the notion that time-saving strategies - and products - unilaterally bring more calm to our days. Instead we look at ways to think about shifting time to our advantage, batching tasks and opting out to free up schedule space, simplifying rather than optimizing, and finding our own peace with our relationship to time.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
New episode! Some days we’re the “Sure, why n New episode!

Some days we’re the “Sure, why not?” mom, and other days we’re the “Because I said so” mom - and often we lean more into one side than the other. Meagan and Sarah unpack what the Yes Mom / No Mom binary really means, the why behind our wiring, how it affects our kids, and how it’s not always so black and white. We look at the balance between freedom and structure, and remind you there are many ways to be yourself and be a great mom at the same time.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Very special episode in your feed today! Meagan w Very special episode in your feed today!

Meagan wrote a book—and Sarah has lots of questions. In this episode, we dive into Meagan’s journey from concept to publication. From the initial spark of an idea to the challenges of writing, editing, and getting it out into the world, join us for an inside look at the process behind bringing her book to life. Whether you're a writer, a non-writer who likes to learn how the sausage gets made, or simply want to offer Meagan your support during launch week, we hope you'll listen!

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Last chance to ASK A LISTENER QUESTION! (Please re Last chance to ASK A LISTENER QUESTION! (Please read the whole post before commenting! 🥰)

We're planning two more LQ episodes before we wrap production, and we'd love to take your questions about ANYTHING. The usual parenting challenges are welcome for sure, but we're also open to answering questions about the podcast, the decade we've spent doing this work, our business partnership+friendship, our future plans, our midlife lady joys and challenges, ALL OF IT.

You can EMAIL questions to hello@themomhour.com with Listener Question in the subject line. (Please don't use the comments on this post to ask your question; we might miss it and it adds organizational clutter to our lives.)

Deadline is Sunday 5/11 at 11:59pm. It's a true 'last call', folks! Can't wait to read your questions! -Meagan & Sarah
New episode! What does it mean to "launch" a kid New episode!

What does it mean to "launch" a kid into adulthood? How does parenting change when you're still mom, but they're no longer children? With Meagan’s new book just a week from launch, we’re diving into five things she’s learned about parenting young adults. Sarah asks the questions, Meagan shares the wisdom—and we both reflect on how the parenting journey keeps evolving.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Happy Monday! 👋 It's time for our April sponso Happy Monday! 👋  It's time for our April sponsors roundup, where we remind you of our brand partners and special deals. ALL of our special promo codes and links can be found on the Deals & Offers page on our website. Tap on this image at the link in our bio to check it out.

Thank you for helping support the show by using our links + codes!

Check out our new sponsor . . .
🐻  @paddingtonmovie (available now on digital!)

And welcome back . . . 
🎵 @carnegiehall (fun music games & quizzes!)
🍋 @hiyahealth (50% off your 1st order!)
🪑 @wayfair (shop outdoor furniture online!)
👟 @vionicshoes (15% off your entire order!)
🎨 @minted (art, cards, decor & more!)
📚 @chatbooks (the easiest photo books ever!)
☑️ @todoistofficial (2 mo. free of Todoist Pro!)
📅 @theessentialcalendar (10% off calendars!)
New episode! Raising creative kids isn’t just a New episode!

Raising creative kids isn’t just about paintbrushes and piano lessons—it’s also about noticing how they think, solve problems, and dream up deas. Both Meagan and Sarah come from creative backgrounds and hope to raise creative kids, but we’ve learned that creativity shows up in unexpected places—from storytelling and party planning to building weird contraptions out of couch cushions. We share what’s worked in our own families, where we’ve had to shift our thinking, and some of the misconceptions we’ve had about what being “creative” really means.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
New episode! We've heard from so many listeners w New episode!

We've heard from so many listeners who say that The Mom Hour helped you through your early years of parenting. Your notes of gratitude got us thinking (and feeling all the feels) about what a uniquely intense and tender season “active mothering” really is—and why it inspires a certain nostalgia when viewed later from a distance. Join us as we share some of your own words as well as memories of our own, reflecting on the pop-cultural, sensory, emotional, and unexpectedly specific things that instantly transport us back.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts

Copyright © 2025 · Life, Listened
Development by Cipher